HILLSBORO – Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak announces an investigation into the death of a detainee at the Jefferson County Jail on September 17, 2023.
The detainee is identified as 41-year-old Melissa Miles from Robertsville, Mo. Miles was detained for a probation violation out of Franklin County, Mo.
According to the initial investigation, Miles was housed by herself in a medical area and had returned earlier in the day from a local hospital for medical-related issues. A Corrections Officer found her unresponsive in her cell around 2:18 p.m.. Corrections staff immediately requested EMS and started life-saving measures. Miles was pronounced deceased when EMS arrived.
Miles’ body was examined today by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, and there were no signs of assaultive trauma. While an official cause of death hasn’t been determined at this time, investigators don’t suspect foul play.
The investigation is ongoing.